Hell Bent Steel's FAQ/Instructions

Contents

All Hell Bent Steel kits are designed and tested on stock vehicles only and should never be used in conjunction with any other lift or leveling kit. Doing so would void any warranty or guarantee offered by Hell Bent Steel. If you are planning to install an HBS product on a truck with other after-market products, please contact us to verify fitment prior to placing your order. Returning and item due to incompatibility is allowed under our standard return policy.

General FAQ

Dodge Installation Instructions

Dodge FAQ

Ford Installation Instructions

Ford FAQ

Toyota Installation Instructions

Toyota FAQ

General FAQ

Is the product in stock?

Where will I find the best price on a Hell Bent Steel product?

Is the product being shipped from Hell Bent Steel?

When will the product ship?

Which carrier will deliver the product?

How long will it take to receive the product?

What happens if the product isn't delivered within the given time frame?

What do I do if I receive the wrong product?

Is the product in stock?

Yes. We do not list products that are out of stock. Although we do offer our kits through several venues, including eBay and other auction sites, we reserve inventory specifically for our hellbentsteel.com customers. In the rare situation that our inventory does run low, you will be notified of the delay and offered a choice of reasonable compensations for your inconvenience.

Right here! Although we do offer our kits through several venues, including eBay and other auction sites, we guarantee that you will get the best base price here at hellbentsteel.com. If you see an ad for a HBS product offering a lower price anywhere online, call us 801.731.7911, and we will match it.

Yes, absolutely. We manufacture all of our own leveling kits right here in the United States of America. Our leveling kit manufacturing operation is located in northern Utah and we ship all of our leveling kits from our facility here. Most of our competitors cannot guarantee where the kits will be shipped from because they are resellers, rather than manufacturers. We have in house quality control. Someone from the dedicated HBS staff inspects each part for quality assurance. That is why we can offer a lifetime guarantee on all of our products.

We make every effort to process and ship your item within one business day of confirmed payment. That means that if you order and pay for an item on Monday afternoon, your order will be processed and shipped on Tuesday morning. Also, our orders usually leave our facility around 3 PM MST, so if you order online or place an order over the phone before then it will usually ship the same day. Keep in mind that if you place an order Friday afternoon or over a weekend/holiday, your order will not be processed until the following business day. Orders placed on Thursday or Friday for UPS 2nd Day Air and Next Day Air Saver will not be delivered Saturday, Sunday, or Monday.

Unless you choose an expedited shipping option, we ship our leveling kits, for FREE, anywhere in the US via Priority Mail through the United States Postal Service (USPS). To avoid extra charges and delays in delivery, please provide a PO Box if you do not receive mail at your home/business address. Standard shipping for air intake systems and steering stabilizers is via the United Parcel Service (UPS) Ground service.

All orders placed before 3pm MST are shipped out the same day. Orders place after 3pm MST will be processed and shipped the following business day. The USPS estimated delivery time everywhere within the USA is 2-3 business days. That means that if you place an order that will be shipped via USPS on Monday after 3pm MST, your order will be processed and shipped Tuesday morning and you can expect delivery no later than Friday, and in most cases as early as Thursday. We find that in states neighboring Utah, next day delivery is not uncommon. Delivery times for UPS Ground is 2-7 business days depending on your location. NOTE: Items ordered on Friday afternoons or on weekends/holidays do not ship out until Monday.

What happens if the product isn't delivered within the given time frame?

Delays in delivery are rare and usually avoidable. We strive to process and ship your item within 24 hours, so you should receive an email with shipping confirmation/tracking information within that time frame. If you do not receive this information, please call us toll free at 877.731.7911 so that we can resolve the issue immediately. Almost without exception, any delay in delivery is due to a non-deliverable mailing address. We ship all leveling kits through the United States Postal Service; therefore, the address provided must accept regular postal mail. We do ship to P.O. Boxes. The air intake systems are shipped through UPS, so a physical address is required when purchasing an AIS.

Although mistakes are rare, they do happen. If the error is ours, we will gladly exchange the kit as quickly as possible with no charge to you. If the wrong kit was ordered we will also exchange the kit; you will only be charged the cost of the replacement shipping. If an exchange cannot be made we will accept the returned kit and refund your money. There will be a restocking fee of 20%.

Dodge FAQ

What is the Dodge "Death Wobble", and what can be done about it?

Hell Bent Steel offers a 2" kit and a 2.5" leveling kit, how do I determine which one is right for me?

Will I need to replace the stock shocks with the 2" or 2.5" leveling kit?

Are the anti-sway bar drop brackets required with the 2" or 2.5" leveling kit?

What size tire can I fit with a 2" or 2.5" leveling kit?

I just received the 2" (or 2.5") leveling kit for the 2006-2012 Ram 1500, Why doesn't the spacer measure 2" (or 2.5") tall?

Do you make a leveling kit for Dodge Ram 2WD models?

Do you make a 3" lift kit for Dodge Ram 4WD models?

I’ve read that powder coating is not as good as people claim. Which is really better, powder coating or paint?

Can I use a leveling kit with my truck already lifted?

Will the leveling kit affect the ride-quality of my truck?

Will installing the leveling kit affect my factory warranty?

How difficult is the leveling kit installation? Can I install the kit myself?

Why do I need a Hell Bent Steel steering stabilizer bar?

Why should I buy a HBS steering stabilizer bar over another brand?

How will the HBS steering stabilizer bar affect the steering of my truck?

Can I use the HBS steering stabilizer with a leveling kit?

Can I use the HBS steering stabilizer with anti-sway bar drop brackets?

Steering Stabilizer Installation Tips.

What is the Dodge "Death Wobble", and what can be done about it?

Hell Bent Steel's Disclaimer of Dodge vibrations:

Dodge Ram trucks are notorious for front end vibrations. These vibrations are due to the design of the Dodge Ram front differential and suspension. Some Dodge owners may experience a vibration in the front end when in 4HI mode, or a violent shaking vibration of the front wheels and suspension when hitting a bump at speed. Both of these vibrations are referred to as the “death wobble." However, the vibrations are the symptoms of two different issues:

-The 4HI vibration can occur in the independent front suspension (IFS) models, 2006-2012 Dodge Ram 1500 (Non-MegaCab) 4x4. Dodge has refused to acknowledge the issue as being a problem and has stated that all of the newer model Rams could experience this vibration when accelerating in 4HI mode. HBS has had several reports of customers experiencing this vibration before and after installing a leveling kit; however, the majority of our customers do not experience the problem.

-The steering vibration, or "wobble" is caused by a combination of several factors. Dodge has acknowledged the issue with some of its steering components. Dodge has released a TSB about this problem: Daimler Technical Service Bulletin # 22-005-06. This affects all solid axle models 1994-2001 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4's and 1994-2012 Dodge Ram 1500MC/2500/3500 4x4's.

Although adding a Dodge Ram leveling kit does not cause these vibrations, it is apparent that lifting the front of the truck does increase the risk of experiencing these existing OEM problems. In some cases the symptoms exist even on non-modified stock trucks.

It is Hell Bent Steel's official position that if you have installed any of the following lift kits on your Dodge Ram truck

Hell Bent Steel offers a 2" kit and a 2.5" Dodge Ram leveling kit, how do I determine which one is right for me?

Through extensive testing, we have determined that the trucks vary in height depending on the age and mileage of the truck which is why we offer both 2" and 2.5" kits. For most applications the 2" Dodge Ram leveling kit will bring the truck level. In some cases however, it will take 2.5” of lift to bring the truck perfectly level. There is no difference in the build, installation, ride quality or tire clearance between the two kits. The best way to decide which size is best for your truck is to park your truck on level ground, measure from the ground to the top dead center of the wheel-well in both front and back. From the difference in the measurement you can determine which kit is best for your truck.

Will I need to replace the stock shocks with the 2" or 2.5" Dodge Ram leveling kit?

No, it is not necessary to replace the stock shocks when adding the 2" or 2.5" Dodge Ram leveling kit and using your truck for regular everyday driving. However, if you do a lot of off-roading you may consider going with a longer shock. Most shock manufacturers offer 2"-3" longer shocks that are ideal for use with leveling kits. Most of our customers do not replace their shocks when adding the kit unless the shocks are worn out and they were planning to replace them anyway.

Are the anti-sway bar drop brackets required with the 2" or 2.5" Dodge Ram leveling kit?

Although not mandatory, Hell Bent Steel strongly recommends the installation of anti-sway bar drop brackets when installing a 2.5" leveling spacer straight axle truck. The anti-sway bar drop brackets will not fit the Independent Front Suspension (IFS) models. When you install a 2" or 2.5" leveling kit to your truck, the angle of the anti-sway bar and, consequently, the anti-sway bar end links, is changed. The drop brackets lower the mounting position of the anti-sway bar allowing the bar and the connected end links to return to their vertical stock positions.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The goal of the drop brackets is to keep the sway bar end-links in their stock (vertical) position. Doing so will avoid any excess wear on the end-link bushings and extend the life of the end links. After your leveling kit is installed, check the angle position of the end-links. If the end-links are leaning either forward or backward then use the drop brackets to adjust the end-links to the vertical position. If the end-links are vertical without the drop brackets, then you do not need to install the drop brackets. Installing drop brackets when they are not needed can cause excessive wear in the end-link bushings and reduce the life of the end-links. This also eliminates strain on the end link ball joints and ensures proper clearance between end links and springs. Use the drop brackets to adjust and correct the positions of the anti-sway bar and end links for maximum body roll and sway control.

Both size kits were designed and tested with 33” tires on factory wheels. However, we have many customers who are running up to 35” tires with these kits without any problems. Keep in mind that these trucks do vary somewhat depending on age and mileage. If you have custom wheels and backspacing it is impossible to guarantee tire clearance for your specific wheel/tire/backspacing combination without actually seeing your truck. If you are planning to add custom wheels with the Dodge Ram leveling kit, you should consult a certified tire/wheel/lift mechanic in your area to ensure there will be clearance. There is little difference in tire clearance between the two kits.

The ratio of lift to spacer thickness is not one to one. Due to the design of the independent suspension of the truck, when you extend the strut by 1-1/4" (for 2" lift) or 1-3/8"; (for 2.5" lift) the angle of the strut becomes steeper allowing the truck to experience approximately 2" or 2.5” of lift, respectively. It is the combination of extending the strut and the change in angle that gives the full lift. Once the leveling kit is properly installed and you have the truck aligned, you will see the lift you expect. Remember that the installation is not complete until you have the truck aligned.

Do you make a any leveling kits taller than the 2.5" lift kit for Dodge Ram 4WD models?

We can build custom size kits upon request. We do not offer a kit taller than 2.5" as a standard stock product because it not advised to install a taller kit without replacing other components of the vehicle. Kits taller than 2.5" require longer shocks as well as several other components. Installing a taller kit without replacing those components will result in front-end instability (Death Wobble). We are working toward putting a complete kit together that will have all of the necessary components to safely lift your truck 3". We do not have an estimated release date for this product at this time.

I’ve read that powder coating is not as good as people claim. Which is really better, powder coating or paint?

We prefer powder coating to paint, and here is why: powder coating is just plain tougher. We have experimented with several types of finishes and determined that for this application powder coating is the superior choice. There are some excellent automotive grade paints that, when applied correctly, can be durable, but bottom line is that paint is still not as tough as powder coating. Powder coating is sprayed on and heat cured for excellent durability. Anyone who claims that powder coating isn't as good, just hasn’t seen it done well; in a side-by-side comparison the difference is apparent.

No, absolutely not. This kit was designed and tested on stock vehicles only and should never be used in conjunction with any other lift or leveling kit. Doing so would void any warranty or guarantee offered by Hell Bent Steel.

The dealers in our area have told us that the kit does not affect the warranty because it is a bolt-on application and the customer could just remove the kit if a warranty issue arose. However, we cannot speak for DODGE. We recommend that if you are concerned about this that you check with your own dealer so you have an exact answer from Dodge.

How difficult is the Dodge Ram leveling kit installation? Can I install the kit myself?

Hell Bent Steel strongly recommends that the installation be performed by a certified mechanic who has experience with lift/leveling kits. The installation is not difficult for those who have experience working on their vehicle. The installation does not require any special tools, such as a spring compressor. If the installer has experience with suspension work, the installation should take 1-2 hours.

The HELL BENT STEEL Dodge Steering Stabilizer will dramatically reduce or eliminate the play in the steering, also known as steering "wander," for which Dodge trucks are notorious! In a stock solid axle Dodge Ram, as the wheels turn left and right the sector shaft in the gear box is repeatedly loaded and unloaded from the side. This sideways loading will, over time, wear out the internal components of your steering gearbox causing it to fail. The HBS Dodge Steering Stabilizer carries the side-acting loads which allows the shaft to move freely and dramatically extends the life of the gearbox.

Why should I buy a HBS Dodge steering stabilizer bar over another brand?

The recently released HBS Dodge Steering Stabilizer is designed and built to the high-quality standards for which HELL BENT STEEL is known! The HBS Steering Stabilizer is constructed from heavy-duty steel plate and tubing with specially formulated corrosion-resistant powder coating. The stabilizer bar has a simple bolt-on installation for immediate results. There are other stabilizer bars on the market that are a light-weigh sheet metal fabricated designs. Our all-steel construction is guaranteed to do the job for as long as you own your truck. All-American built and high-quality is the HBS standard. Choose the brand you know you can trust.

How will the HBS steering stabilizer bar affect the steering of my truck?

The HBS Dodge Steering Stabilizer bar will reduce or eliminate the play or "wander" that you experience when steering your Dodge Ram. It will tighten-up the steering and add years of life to your steering gear box.

PLEASE NOTE: The HBS Dodge Steering Stabilizer bar is not designed or intended to be a substitute for replacing a worn-out gear box. Inspect all steering components for excessive wear prior to installation. Replace worn-out components as needed.

Yes, the stabilizer bar can be installed on stock trucks or on trucks with 2"-2.5" of lift. The bar is safe to use with all HBS leveling kits as well as many other brands of similar type leveling kits. The stabilizer bar does not affect the geometry of the suspension in any way. If the stabilizer bar is installed without any type of lift kit then it is NOT necessary to have an alignment done after installation.

Can I use the HBS Dodge steering stabilizer with anti-sway bar drop brackets?

Yes! If your truck has the 2.5" Dodge Ram leveling kit along with the anti-sway bar drop brackets the stabilizer bar will still fit your truck. However, on the 1994-2002 models, the position of the stabilizer bar with respect to the anti-sway bar will be different if you have the sway-bar drop brackets installed. View the Dodge Steering Stabilizer Installation Guide for details.

The bearing will rotate within the casing. When installing the bearing, rotate the casing by hand or with a small mallet before tightening the bolts. As you tighten the bolts which attach the bearing to the plate, the bearing will rotate within its case and sit flush against the plate.

The sector shaft nut should protrude through the bearing, however there may be cases when it does not come all the way through causing the set screw to fail to contact the sector shaft. This will not affect the functionality of the steering stabilizer.

Ford Installation Instructions

Ford FAQ

Hell Bent Steel offers a 2.5" kit and a 3" Ford F150 leveling kit, how do I determine which one is right for me?

Hell Bent Steel offers an all steel spacer kit and a machined billet aluminum spacer kit, which one is better?

Why doesn't the spacer measure 2.5" (or 3") tall?

What size tire can I fit with a 2.5" or 3" leveling kit?

How difficult is the installation? Can I install the kit myself?

Hell Bent Steel offers a 2", 2.5" kit and a 3" Ford F150 leveling kit, how do I determine which one is right for me?

Through extensive testing, we have determined that the trucks vary in height depending on the age and mileage of the truck that is why we offer a 2", 2.5” and 3” kit. For most applications the 2.5” Ford F150 leveling kit will bring the truck level (2" for the 2009-2012 models). In some cases however, it will take 3” of lift to bring the truck perfectly level. There is no difference in the build, installation, ride quality or tire clearance between the two kits. The best way to decide which size is best for your truck is to park your truck on level ground, measure from the ground to the top dead center of the wheel-well in both front and back. From the difference in the measurement you can determine which kit is best for your truck.

Hell Bent Steel offers an all steel spacer kit and a machined billet aluminum spacer kit, which one is better?

Both the powder-coated steel and the machined aluminum kits are designed and manufactured to high quality standards. The kits are equally strong in this application. The steel kit has been an extremely popular kit over the last 5 years. We designed the aluminum kit in response to customer requests for billet aluminum products to dress-up their vehicles. So, it comes down to personal preference. The aluminum kit is precision machined billet aluminum. The steel kit is a heavy duty robotic welded part that has a matte black powder-coated finish. Either kit will perform to the highest standard as a 2.5" or 3" leveling kit.

The ratio of lift to spacer thickness is not one to one. Due to the design of the independent suspension of the truck, when you extend the strut by 1-1/4" (for 2" lift), 1-5/8" (for 2.5" lift) or 1-3/4” (for 3" lift) the angle of the strut becomes steeper allowing the truck to experience approximately 2", 2.5" or 3” of lift, respectively. It is the combination of extending the strut and the change in angle that gives the full lift. Once the kit is properly installed and you have the truck aligned, you will see the lift you expect. Remember that the installation is not complete until you have the truck aligned.

Both size kits were designed and tested with 33” tires on factory wheels. However, we have many customers who are running up to 35” tires with these kits without any problems. Keep in mind that these trucks do vary somewhat depending on age and mileage. If you have custom wheels and backspacing it is impossible to guarantee tire clearance for your specific wheel/tire/backspacing combination without actually seeing your truck. If you are planning to add custom wheels with the leveling kit, you should consult a certified tire/wheel/lift mechanic in your area to ensure there will be clearance. There is little difference in tire clearance between the two kits.

How difficult is the installation? Can I install the Ford F150 leveling kit myself?

Hell Bent Steel strongly recommends that the installation be performed by a certified mechanic who has experience with lift/leveling kits. The installation is not difficult for those who have experience working on their vehicle. The installation does not require any special tools, such as a spring compressor. If the installer has experience with suspension work, the installation should take 1-2 hours. View and download the Ford F150 illustrated installation guide for more details.

Toyota Tacoma FAQ

Hell Bent Steel offers a 2.0", 2.5" kit and a 3" Toyota leveling kit for the various Tacoma models, how do I determine which one is right for me?

Will these leveling kits fit the 5-lug Tacoma models?

Why doesn't the spacer measure 2.0", (or 2.5" or 3") tall?

What size tire can I fit with the leveling kit?

How difficult is the installation? Can I install the kit myself?

Hell Bent Steel offers a 2.0", 2.5" kit and a 3" Toyota leveling kit for the various Tacoma models, how do I determine which one is right for me?

Through extensive testing, we have determined that the Tacoma trucks vary in height depending on the age and mileage of the truck that is why we offer two lift choices for each year/body-style. For most applications the shorter kit will bring the truck level. In some cases however, it will take more lift to bring the truck perfectly level. There is no difference in the build, installation, ride quality or tire clearance between the two kits. The best way to decide which size is best for your truck is to park your truck on level ground, measure from the ground to the top dead center of the wheel-well in both front and back. From the difference in the measurement you can determine which kit is best for your truck.

The ratio of lift to spacer thickness is not one to one. Due to the design of the independent suspension of the truck, when you extend the strut by 1" (for 1996-2004 2" lift), 1-1/4" (for 1996-2004 2.5" lift), 1-3/8" (for 2005-2012 2.5" lift) or 1-1/2” (for 2005-2012 3" lift) the angle of the strut becomes steeper allowing the truck to experience approximately 2", 2.5" or 3” of lift, respectively. It is the combination of extending the strut and the change in angle that gives the full lift. Once the kit is properly installed and you have the truck aligned, you will see the lift you expect. Remember that the installation is not complete until you have the truck aligned.

Both size kits were designed and tested with 32” tires on factory wheels. However, we have many customers who are running up to 33” tires with these kits without any problems. Keep in mind that these trucks do vary somewhat depending on age and mileage. If you have custom wheels and backspacing it is impossible to guarantee tire clearance for your specific wheel/tire/backspacing combination without actually seeing your truck. If you are planning to add custom wheels with the leveling kit, you should consult a certified tire/wheel/lift mechanic in your area to ensure there will be clearance. There is little difference in tire clearance between the two kits.

Hell Bent Steel strongly recommends that the installation be performed by a certified mechanic who has experience with lift/leveling kits. The installation is not difficult for those who have experience working on their vehicle. The installation does not require any special tools, such as a spring compressor. If the installer has experience with suspension work, the installation should take 1-2 hours.